Lille vs Clermont Prediction & Betting Tips (4 February)

Lille is clearly one of the few teams capable of securing a ticket for a European competition at the end of the season. Better yet, by placing themselves in 5th position with only 3 points behind the podium, Losc could even start dreaming of qualifying for the Champions League. However, to try to get on the box, Paulo Fonseca's men will have to show more consistency than in recent weeks. Indeed, the Mastiffs have only won one of their last 5 matches in the top flight. It was against Lorient after the winter break 3-0. Last Sunday, they had to settle for a point obtained from Montpellier 0-0. At the same time, the Northerners qualified for the 1/8 finals of the Coupe de France by defeating Racing Club de France 0-1.

For its part, Clermont is experiencing a particularly delicate season. For its 3rd consecutive year at the highest level, this team is unable to escape the relegation zone and is still in 17th position in the ranking, still a small point behind the first non-relegation team. That said, Pascal Gastien's men did not return to competition too badly after the winter break. They were indeed able to win against Nantes 1-2 before holding Strasbourg to a 1-1 draw last week. On the other hand, the Auvergnats saw their journey come to an end in the Coupe de France, already facing Strasbourg 1-3 15 days ago.

Paulo Fonseica still has to deal with injuries to valuable defender Diakité (3 goals) and winger Ivan Cavaleiro who have been absent for a few weeks already. Attacking midfielder Cabella could also forfeit this poster while young midfielder Bouaddi will be suspended after being sent off on the last day. Eliminated from the CAN, the Algerians Ounas and Bentaleb also returned to the group last week against Montpellier. Up front, Canadian striker David should be started, having found the fault 6 times this season in the elite. On the wings, we should undoubtedly find the interesting Zeghrova and Gudmundsson. Note the departure, during the winter transfer window, of long-term injured defender Djalo for Juventus but young midfielder Tiago Morais (Boavista) and defender Rafael Fernandes (Arouca) have arrived. This is also the case for striker Ilic (Valerenga). The disappointing Virginius was loaned to Clermont and the right back Zedadka left to seek playing time in Zaragoza.

On the Clermont side, the starting goalkeeper Diaw and the replacement Bela are still competing in the CAN with their respective selections. On the other hand, senior defender Seidu signed up this week with Stade Rennais. For this match, right back Konaté, winter recruit Virginius and replacement striker Andric are all expected to forfeit and be absent from the group which will travel to the Decathlon Arena. On the other hand, Jamaican striker Nicholson is there, he who scored his 4th goal of the season against Strasbourg last Sunday. Allevinah (2 goals) and Cham (2 goals) could also start. Note the late arrival on loan of young Monaco defender Matisma.